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Shri Mahalaxmi at Bandora
About Goa
Goa is famous for its historic churches, forts, traditional homes, colorful festivals, lush green countryside, rich flora and fauna, fabulous cuisine, and exotic beaches. The magical land of Goa is decked with popular tourist destinations like Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Tambdi Surla and Tiracol Fort, the Calangute Beach, the Baga Beach , etc. The Temples in Goa, as well, are a big crowd puller among the tourists from world over.
Temples in Goa
The history of the earliest known temples in Goa dates back to over a thousand years. The fundamental design of the temples of Goa are in essence like most Hindu temples in India, organized around the central shrine or the Garbagriha or the sanctum sanctorum that is home to the main deity. The pyramidal shaped tower or the traditional Shikara arises from the main shrine. Generally, there are two or more smaller shrines housing other deities known as Parivar Devatas around the entrance to the Garbagriha. The major temples in Goa are Shri Mahalaxmi at Bandora, Shri Bhagavati Temple, Shri Mangueshi Temple, Shri Shantadurga Temple, Shri Nagesh at Bandora, Shri Mahalsa at Mardol, and Shri Chandranath at Quepem.
Shri Mahalaxmi at Bandora
Situated in Bandora, this early 19th century temple is considered the abode of the original Goddess of the Shakti cult , Goddess Mahalakshmi, worshipped by the Shilahara rulers (750-1030 A. D.) and the early Kadamba Kings of Goa . Hindus describe Mahalaxmi as the form of Mother of all Universes, who raised three super powers Brahma the creator , Vishnu the preserver and Shiva the destroyer . The Sabhamandap of the temple has a gallery of 18 images, out of 24 images of emanatory aspects of Bhagvata sect . The temple has a small arched entrance, designed on all sides, at the one end with Naubat khana placed further up.
The image of Mahalakshmi has a close resemblance to that of Mahalakshmi at Kolhapur , the main center of worship. Her special feature is that she wears a linga on her head and is considered a peaceful or Satvik form of the Devi.
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